ITANAGAR, May 12: Three days after Tine Mena scaled Mount Everest, another Arunachalee
Anshu Jamsenpa conquered the world’s highest mountain peak and unfurled one flag
each of India and Arunachal Pradesh on the summit of Mt. Everest at 7 am today.

Anshu’s achievement was informed by the Liaison Officer from Everest Base Camp today.

“This is one of the most memorable and satisfying moments in life and I am thankful
to all my sponsors, well wishers, friends and family members who encouraged and stood
by me solidly all along,” she said over Satellite Phone after descending to South
Col (26700 ft) also known as the Death Zone.

Anshu, a mother of two children and married to Tsering Wange, a leading tour operator
of the state had been undergoing rigorous mountaineering training for the past three
years.

On April 5, Anshu was selected as team leader of five Nation International Mt. Everest
Expedition. The expedition team consisted of 4 Indians, 2 Italians and 1 national
each from Iran, Canada and Sweden.

Anshu and her team had a close shave when an avalanche hit their camp while ascending
near Hillary Step.

During this trip American Rich Hitch and Sailendra Kumar Upadhyaya, former Foreign
Minister of Nepal died while they attempted to climb the highest peak.

Meanwhile, the current mountaineering world record holder Apa Sherpa along with
Chris Shumate of USA, Bruno Gremior of Switzerland reached Everest at 09:15 am yesterday.

Close on the heels of the news of Tine Mena scaling Mt Everest and of Mitali Namchoom,
Tadu Mamung and Bullo Mamung having qualified in the Civil Services Examinations,
the news of Anshu Jamsenpa also having conquered the tallest peak in the world is
indeed a red-letter day in the history of the state. It is heartening to note that
as the state goes through its darkest hours, its women have come out in strength
to give solace and soothe the pain that its people are facing today, said a release
from Chief Minister’s office.

“I am indeed very proud of the fact that as we try and find our way in these times
of difficulty, our women have shown a way for the state to re-group and re-live our
lives. All of these women stand today as sentinels of a dream that we have of making
our state known and recognized across the world. It is a tribute to their determination
that they have been able to put Arunachal in the world map today,” said Chief Minister
Jarbom Gamlin.

The Chief Minister, while extending his felicitations to all the people who have
made this achievement possible, also stated that it will be the priority of his government
that accomplishments in sports and games are given the utmost attention as this was
a way through which the youth of the state get an opportunity to not just expose
their talents, but also inspire other youth to walk on a path of positive action.

“It is one of the proudest moments for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, especially
for every Arunachalee girl. Two years back it was our own Tapi Mra and today it is
the two girls. It reflects their passion, self-belief and commitment towards their
goal, he said while adding that it is indeed an inspiring feat for all the youth
of the State.

State Govt honors sportspersons

with cash awards

M Doley

ITANAGAR, May 12: The State Government honoured the meritorious sportspersons of
the state with cash awards in a simple function organized by Sports and Youth Affairs
department here today. The State Govt has given away a total of Rs 20.48 lakh to
35 sportspersons for the year 2010-11, who have brought laurels to the state by winning
medals with their outstanding performance at national, international and regional
level competitions.

Yukar Sibi, the gold medallist in Youth Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship,
Penang, Malayasia was given Rs. Six lakh while lifters Soram Hitlar Tagru and Takio
Yana were given Rs 3 Lakh and Rs. One Lakh respectively for their medal winning performance
in National Weightlifting Championship. Tagru and Yana won Gold and Bronze medal
in the last National Weightlifting Championship in their respective weight categories.

Wushu player Hilang Takio and Karate player Dungru Dodum were given Rs One Lakh each
for winning medals in national championship. Both Hilang and Dodum won a Bronze medal
each in 9th Junior National Wushu Championship and National Karate Championship,
2009 respectively.

Promising shuttler Jokom Ribya, who won silver medal in 23rd Junior National Badminton
Championship, was given Rs. Two lakh.

Everester Tine Mena was awarded Rs. One lakh for her pre-Everest Mountaineering expedition
at Sikkim in 2010.

Karatekas Likha Lez and John Bagang were given Rs.50,000 each for winning Gold in
Junior 23rd National Karate Championship held at Erode, Tamil Nadu while Juna Dada
was given Rs.20,000 for winning a Bronze.

Karatekas Pacha Nabin Jamoh, Yomken Noshi, Higi Yamum and Rei Yadi were given Rs.50,000
each for winning Bronze in the national championship in senior category.

Judokas Rahul Mipi and Anjali Sangro were awarded Rs 30,000 each for winning Silver
in National Rural Tournament (Gr-III) held at Aurangabad while Bronze medalists Madin
Hina, Tako Tacho and Ehalu Tega were given Rs.20,000 each.

The Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists of 24th NE Games held at Shillong were awarded
Rs.10,000, Rs.7,000 and Rs.5,000 respectively.

The cash incentives were given away to the winners by Parliamentary secretary for
sports and youth affairs Wangki Lowang and former MLA Kipa Babu.

After giving the away awards, Lowang said that the cash incentive is an humble initiative
of the State Government to encourage sportspersons of the state. He hoped that the
incentives given to them, although in small quantity, would boost up their morale
and encourage them to excel in the field of games and sports and bring more glory
to the state in days to come.

Earlier, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs (i/c), DK Dinglow congratulated Tine
Mena for conquering Mount Everest-- the most fearsome and highest mountain peak of
the world to climb. He hoped that her achievement will inspire the youths of the
state to take up sports as career.

The award giving ceremony cum felicitation programme was attended, among others,
by parents and guardians of few sportspersons, former Sports and Youth Affairs director
PR Mazumdar, former MLA Kipa Babu, office bearers of various sports bodies and officers
and officials of Sports and Youth Affairs department.

Choose the ones who can lead: AAPSU

ITANAGAR, May 12: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) has appealed to the
new Chief Minister to induct efficient and energetic leaders in the three crucial
portfolios of Home, Education and Health.

Plenty of promising activities were taking place particularly in the education front
under the dynamic leadership of late chief minister Dorjee Khandu with the introduction
of Education Bill to revamp the dismal education scenario was a historic step, it
said while expressing the hope that the momentum that was gained during his leadership
will be continued with more vigor. The leaders who will be in the helm of affairs
in the three crucial portfolio needs to be chosen carefully and performing ones should
be allowed to continue, the Union said.

The circus of too many parliamentary secretaries in the state government should also
be done away keeping only the performing energetic one, AAPSU further added.

Union lambasts Centre, supports

AAPSU demand

ITANAGAR, May 12: Rajiv Gandhi University Students Union (RGUSU) extended its support
to the AAPSU’s demand for engagement of CBI to enquire into the death of former Chief
Minister Dorjee Khandu. The Union said that enquiry is needed as the Nagaland based
UG group had issued threat to Govt and urged the Tirap and Changlang MLAs to withdraw
support to Govt by April 30; the day late CM’s chopper met with accident. It further
demanded location of the black box too.

Lambasting Central Govt for failure of ISRO and Air Force to locate the crash site
of chopper, the union said that the Centre must know the nook and corner of the
strategically located sensitive border state like Arunachal Pradesh. It further
demanded both state and Central Govt to build border infrastructure including all
weather roads in state.

Meanwhile, RGUSU appealed to the present Govt for a cabinet berth to son of late
Khandu and hoped that new CM Jarbom Gamlin will carry forward the unfinished development
works of former CM.

Arunachalee part of world team

ITANAGAR, May 12: Riken Ngomle of Arunachal Pradesh has been invited to participate
as a performer with Studio Matejka under the Grotowski Institute, a project led by
Matej Matejka, principal performer and head of physical training for Theatre ZAR.

Riken is the lone Indian among seven invited from different countries of the world.

Ngomle participated in the last session of the Studio since his arrival at Wroclaw
in mid-March 2011. His participation and involvement into Studio’s work impressed
the leader and the members of the group to invite Ngomle to the open presentation
on April 14, 2011. As well, Ngomle has been invited for the August 1 to October
15, 2011 and January 3 to March 30, 2012 sessions and also for the presentations
and seminars that will happen afterwards, among others works demonstration at Salford
University, Great Britain in May 12, 2012, the invitation letter said.

During his participation in Studio Matejka, Ngomle will be partly supported by the
Grotowski Institute.

The studio’s main intention is to focus upon the expression of the human being as
a source for research into the foundations of the actors’ craft. It aims to create
the space and opportunity, within a laboratory model, for the concentrated of an
individual physical tongue. The research is not limited to solely to a closed laboratory
work, but aims to confront its activities with a series of open work presentations,
seminars and annual publications, the letter added.

While wishing him the best of luck on his future endeavour as the Chief Minister
of Arunachal Pradesh, ABK expressed hope that Gamlin, a well known dynamic leader
shall lead the state to more development and prosperity. We have seen Gamlin as Home
Minister and Power minister where he has done a tremendous job for the over all development
of the state, ABK said and expressed the hope that under his leadership the state
shall scale a new height in over all development.

ABK also assured the new Chief Minister that ABK being a non political and a socio
cultural organasisation of the entire Adi Community shall extend all possible support
to the new government in any of its positive move.

Multi-sectoral Development Programme

in East Kameng

ITANAGAR, May 12: Under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Seppa Tope Bam a
meeting was held at Seppa yesterday in connection with proper implementation of schemes
under Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) in the district.

He cautioned all technical field officers to supervise every projects and advised
them to put their sincere efforts in carrying out the programme successfully. He
strongly urged the Implementing Agency to use their man power in fullest extent despite
typical topographical locations in interior villages. He explained that this programme
would definitely bridge up certain infrastructural gaps in the education, Health
and Social Welfare departments in the district which have been long felt hurdles.

Vijay Sonam DPO who has been dealing this programme as nodal officer also elaborately
explained the guidelines & modus-operandi of the programme. He asked all field officers
to follow the laid down norms and maintain quality of works so as to avoid future
complicacies. He said that the School buildings, Medical buildings and Rural Housing
must be in accordance with the norms of RAMSA,NRHM and IAY guidelines respectively
as emphasised by the ministry.

Kego Essi Project Director DRDA Seppa assured the house that DRDA would prove their
competency and capability by executing all the projects under the said programme.
He further directed all BDOs & E.O REs to take photographic evidence of every Scheme
in three different phases right from the beginning upto the completion of projects.
All the technical field Officers will be stationed at their assigned locations from
13th May 2011 so as to gear up the implementation part on war footing manner.

Elected representatives of East Kameng Atum Welly, Kumar Wai, Tani Loffa, Tapuk Taku
and Karya Bagang had a meeting earlier at Itanagar with D.C, DPO, Project Director,
DDSE, DMO and Deputy Director ICDS of the district wherein they asked all the district
functionaries to complete all sanctioned Schemes as early as possible so that the
next load of schemes would be sanctioned soon and funds are released before expiry
of 11th plan period.

In his congratulatory letter the Governor said that the accomplishment reflects their
sheer determination and hard work. It will definitely inspire many Arunachalees to
‘Dare to Dream Big’. This will also help them to serve their State on a rational
platform as well.

While reposing his hope that the three ladies will come up to the expectations of
the people, Gen Singh advised them to be agents of change and be inspiring leaders
of the society.

Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin has also congratulated Mitali Namchoom, Tadu Mamung
and Bullo Mamung for having qualified in the Civil Services Examinations. He said
that this is indeed a moment of great pride that these young women have shown the
way forward on how, amidst all hardships, one can achieve milestones on the sheer
dint of determination and hard work. He appealed to the youth in the state to take
inspiration from these three and to work towards fulfilling their own goals.

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on behalf of entire student’s community
of the state congratulates Mitali Namchoom, Tadu Mamung and Bullo Mamung for cracking
this year’s civil service examination.

The apex students’ body of the state terms the success of the trio as an remarkable
and inspiring moment for the student community. The union hopes that their success
will give a tremendous impetus to the resolve of the civil service aspirants back
here in home.

The scaling of Mount Everest by Tine Mena and in the course becoming the first lady
from the North East is not a mean feat. Her success story, etch with untold hardship
and miseries owing to paucity of resources, amply demonstrate her grit and determination
and that nothing is impossible, if one does not wavered from the path he or she has
chosen. It also implies in every field of life.

The state government needs to reward Miss Tine Mena suitably and promote her mountaineering
career, so that she can bring more laurels to the state, said AAPSU president Takam
Tatung in a release today.

Congratulating Tine Mena for becoming the first lady mountaineer from the North East
to scale Mount Everest, the highest peak of the world, Arunachal Citizens’ Rights
(ACR) said in a release, “Her achievement has proved a point that today’s Arunachalee
women in no way lack behind anybody if given proper guidance and patronage. Her strong
determination and hard work despite of being from a humble background should also
be an inspirational boost to the young talents of North East.”

ACR has also congratulated Mitali Namchoom, Tadu Mamung and Bullo Mamung for cracking
this year’s prestigious Civil Cervices Examinations. “It is the proudest moment ever
for the women of Arunachal Pradesh and the successes of these young, talented ladies
show the advancing mindset of the women of the state.”, added the release.

Nyishi Nyem Achem has also congratulated Mitali Namchoom, Tadu Mamung, Bullo Mamung
and Tine Mena for thier great achievement. It said the achievement of the girls
will remain as a great model to be followed.

All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) today congratulated Tine Mena on her rare feat
of achieving the title of first Northeast woman to scale the world’s highest peak,
Mt Everest.

"That she achieved this rare distinction is great news for all of us here," said
AIMSU in its release note.

"Mena’s accomplishment as role model for our new generation—is quite remarkable.
Such impressive achievement honors the people of Arunachal Pradesh and especially
the Mishmi community."

The APCS officers of Tirap district extend their heartiest congratulation to Miss
Mitali Namchoom, Circle Officer, Khonsa for cracking the Civil Service examinations
2011 conducted by the UPSC. It is a matter of great pride for the APCS fraternity
and hope that she would prove to be a great asset for the state, it said while adding
that her achievement would also be an inspiration for the other aspirants from Arunachal
Pradesh. Despite serving under a trying circumstances at Khonsa she could succeed
for the premier service of the country which should be a good example for the upcoming
students of Tirap in particular and Arunachal in general, the added.

The organisations expressed the hope that their achievement would inspire the youngsters
of the state.

Dirang KVK scientific advisory

committee meeting held

ITANAGAR, May 12: The third Scientific Advisory Committee meeting of Krishi Vigyan
Kendra, Dirang in West Kameng was held for approval of annual plan and review
of its achievement in the Conference Hall of NRC on Yak (ICAR) Dirang today.

The chief guest of inaugural function, Habung Donyi, ADC Dirang highlighted the activities
of KVK and its importance for better agricultural production. He also requested the
farmers to adopt scientific technologies and also to gain knowledge on various fields
offered by the KVK.

The guest of honour, Dr. K.K Baruah, Director NRC on Yak, who presided over the inaugural
function, spoke about the potential of the district in agriculture and allied sectors.
Further he shared his experiences in farming and requested the KVK to explore the
natural resources of the district through farming activities.

Another guest of honour, N. Pertin, Dy. Director, Agriculture, also the co-chairman
of the session, explained about the different aspects of KVK in different district
of Arunachal Pradesh. He also requested HoDs of agriculture and allied departments
and progressive farmers to extend their views, suggestions and feed backs for incorporation
in the AOP 2011 – 12 in the best interest of the farmers of the district. Dr. N.
D. Singh, PC KVK, highlighted the activities and mandates of KVK during his maiden
welcome address.

During technical session Dr. K.K Baruah suggested for procurement of critical inputs
for OFT and FLDs from the research stations of same agro – climatic condition considering
soil and temperature factors. He also suggested for addition of more nos. of training
programmes on AH & Veterinary Sector. N. Pertin, pledged the cooperation of the Director
of Agriculture towards achievement of action plan through recruitment of all the
vacant post of SMS and other technical staff. He also suggested to the PC KVK to
take the service of resource persons from the allied departments towards the successful
implementation of action plan by maintaining cordial and good rapports with the concerned
departments.

Mudang Takar, JE, WRD Thembang suggested for trial and popularization of paddy cum
fish culture for increasing production and productivity of field crops as well as
fishes.

Bodumba, Progressive farmer of Namthung village suggested for incorporation of multiple
cropping and agro- forestry programmes in ensuing action plan and for preparation
of circle wise crop calendar in consultation with the local farmers and allied departments
of the district by taking into account the socio-economic activities of the farming
society.

Besides progressive farmers, Govt officers from various line department participated
in the meeting.

Condolences and congratulations

ITANAGAR, May 12: Several organizations of the state are still pouring out their
grief at the sudden death of former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu. At the same time,
the organizations are congratulating the new Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin.

Officers and staff of the Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Union and Arunachal
Pradesh Cooperative Training Centre jointly convened condolence meeting on May 10
and expressed their deep shock at the untimely death of former chief minister Dorjee
Khandu.

Late Khandu was the leader of the cooperative movement and was the 1st chairman of
Arunachal Pradesh Cooperative Apex Bank. He will always be remembered for his good
deeds. The death of Khandu is the great loss to the cooperative movement of India
in general and state in particular, the union said.

Tarh Welfare Society in a condolence meeting held on May 10 deeply mourned the death
of Dorjee Khandu.

Recalling the contribution of former CM, the Society said, Khandu had taken up a
series of developmental activities in the state. His contributions for development
of state within a short period of time will be remembered for ever by the people
of the state, it said. Society will remember the personal contribution of Khandu
towards changing of word from ‘Dafla’ to ‘Nyishi’ and the introduction of Nyishi
as third language in the state, the TWS said.

Khandu was a guiding force behind all round development in the state, said Bogum
Ao Foundation while mourning the death of former chief minister. The Foundation
also congratulated Jarbom Gamlin for being appointed as new CM.

Meanwhile, City Congress Committee, Itanagar, DCC and BCC of Kurung Kumey district
and Paktu Area People Forum congratulated Jarbom Gamlin for being appointed as new
CM.

Giogi Taya Memorial Football Tournament

Gora Makik SC storm into final

ITANAGAR, May 12: Gora Makik Sports Club stormed into the final drubbing VKV Banderdewa
11-0 in the first semifinals of Giogi Taya Memorial Football Tournament played at
Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun today.

Gora Makik toyed their opponent in the entire match and scored at their will. Tamchi
Tassung netted three goals while Legung Gambo, Loyi Kena and Taba Rakesh scored two
goals each. Other scores were Gichik Taming (1) and Dari Jhon (1).

Gora Makik SC will lock horns with the winner of tomorrow’s second semifinals to
be played between Tali Pip Sorang Club and Punglu Abu Sports Club in the final, according
to organizing committee.

Santosh Trophy

Arunachal hold U’khand

Guwahati, May 12: Arunachal Pradesh played out a goalless draw against Uttarakhand
in their opening match of the 62nd Santosh Trophy Football Tournament played here
today.

Chattisgarh defeated hosts Assam 4-2 in a pre-quarter final match. With the lose
the hosts crashed out of tournament.

In other group matches played today, Services beat Karnataka 4-0.

In two other group matches played in Nagaon, Delhi defeated Nagaland 2-0, while Orissa
handed down a thumping defeat of 6-0 to Himachal Pradesh. UNI

NewsImpact

TWS condemns media report, support ANSU

ITANAGAR, May 12: Tarh Welfare Society (TWS) in its emergency meeting held on May
10 condemned the media report that appeared in Time of India web portal on May 4
which showed the Nyishi community in very poor light.

While supporting the demand of ANSU for immediate arrest of one Pradeep Thakur, the
writer of the report, the TWS also said that public debate with Thakur should be
held within seven days to know the actual reason behind the report.

Meanwhile, the Society urged the administration to withdraw police checking drive
and stop harassing the innocent people and seizure of dao in and around capital.

NCP team at Tawang

ITANAGAR, May 12: A team of Nationalist Congress Party, Arunachal Pradesh unit attended
the last rites of former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu at Tawang on May 10. The team
included NCP president Ngurang Pinch, vice presidents Nera Techi, Tad Tana, general
secretary Teli Denial and MLAs Ralom Borang, Alo Libang.

MLA Techi Kaso was at Tawang for the last one week right from the day of the copter
crash to the day of the last rite of late Khandu. NCP expressed its gratitude to
Kaso for his relentless work and also thanked James Sangma, MLA Megalaya cum National
Observer in-charge of North East NCP who was at Tawang.

Ravi Shankar’s birthday

ITANAGAR, May 12: Personal pledge to contribute in building a better world will mark
the 56th birthday of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on 13th May. Followers across
the globe will make a commitment to do something that will contribute in bettering
the society they live in.

Public events will be held in hundreds of cities in more than 100 countries. Various
seva (service) activities are being organized across the globe.

The Art of Living Arunachal Pradesh (AOLAP) will mark the day with a special event
to be held at its Itanagar Centre in H Sector.

Condolence

ITANAGAR, May 12: Arunachal Teachers’ Association, Papum Pare District Unit, students
and teaching staff of government secondary school RGU, Rono Hill Doimukh condoled
the demise of principal government higher secondary school Polo Colony Mapor Roniya
(55).

Roniya was a sincere and dedicated principal.

The district unit ATA prayed to almighty god for the eternal peace of the departed
soul.

Skill development programme

ITANAGAR, May 12: The two programmes on 42 days skill development prog-ramme on Cane
and Bamboo Handicraft held at Nyapin and Sangram concluded yesterday.

The programme was organized by Rural Development and Heritage Society, Sangram.

Speaking as chief guest on the concluding day, Sarli Anchal Chairperson Melli Tado
encouraged the trainees and suggested the trainees to set-up handicraft unit in district
headquarter.

Appointments

ITANAGAR, May 12: A new organization, namely, All Arunachal Pradesh Bor- der
Peace Association (AAPBPA) was formed in a meeting held at Naharlagun on May 5 with
S P Dolo and Kome Cheda as president and general secretary respectively.

Rs 4 lakh looted in Capital

ITANAGAR: An amount of Rs 4 lakh has been looted from a car in broad day light here
yesterday.

Papum Pare District Youth Congress president Nabam Taja informed the miscreants looted
the amount of Rs four lakh with one gun revolver, pan card and all bank pass books
from his Charvolet car parked in front of director of planning office gate at 12.30
noon.

“After withdrawal of the amount from SBI Ganga branch, I proceeded to Director of
Planning office for some personal works. When I came out from the office after 10
minutes I found that miscreants destroyed my car, looted cash and other valuables,”
said Taja in a release today. Police sources also confirmed the looting incident.

Committee to renovate sector road

ITANAGAR: Welfare Committee of C-II sector, Itanagar has decided to renovate their
sector road/drainage system on self help basis on May 14. The renovation work
will carried out from dawn to dusk and the sector road will remain closed on May
14 and 15 for the same purpose, the Committee said in a release today.

The Committee said that it has taken this decision as the authorities failed to
pay heed to its repeated request for construction of drainage system in C-II sector
road. Criticizing the urban development authority, the committee said drainage system
in other sectors are almost completed, but the authorities failed to start drain
construction work at their sector despite repeated pleas.

Summer Science Festival

ITANAGAR: Vigyan Prasar is organizing Summer Science Festival at Arunachal Pradesh
Science Centre, IG Park Itanagar from May 16- June 10. Students between the age
group of 11 to 15 years would take part in the festival.

Forum seeks support

ITANAGAR: Pakke Kessang Youth Forum appealed to the authorities concerned to make
ration items and medicines available in four circles of the constituency before the
monsoon creates havoc by cutting off communications.

Road communication, the key to development, is a far cry in four circles of Pakke-Kessang,
the Forum said, informing that porter tracks were the only means of communication
among the people of those circles.

While congratulating Mr. Jarbom Gamlin on his taking over the reign of chief minister-ship
from legendary predecessor, I would like to remind him of his responsibilities as
the new chief minister of this State. First he should shed his mindset as an elected
leader of Liromoba only. In the other words, he should not pump all developmental
fund in his assembly constituency alone but distribute equitably on need base. He
should be proactive in all major issues concerning the State. To begin with, he should
choose his cabinet with utmost care without any prejudice and fear. Members who have
the zeal and sincerity to bring all round development in the State should only be
inducted in the Ministry. For which he can assess the development taken place in
that particular constituency within the MLA-ship of that members under consideration.
To sum up, we want to see some fresh and young members in the Cabinet rather than
old bunch of corrupt lot. Moreover, the Congress Party encourages the young leaders
to lead the Country from fore-front. Having said that, some senior leaders must also
be retained in the cabinet.

Finally, we hope our new CM will take our State to the new height of development.

Yours,

Sunny Noro

Non performing officials

Dear Editor,

Is Arunachal govt a rich government? I think so; it has recruited too many non working
staffs in its offices. They enjoy absolute freedom to leave out of the office before
the authorized close time, few irregular ones are the celebrities, and you only see
them some times, surely with best things adorned with. In the light of the stated
facts, I request all the head of the departments especially that of the tourism to
show work etiquette others wise there are better ones still unemployed and are ready
to serve selflessly for over all benefit. The secretary tourism or the director tourism
is not requested but demanded to take stringent action against any of its irregular
staffs intentional harassing public not only for the benefit of distressed person
like me but for the average standing that the department has.

Yours,

Haku Tatak,

Itanagar (on email).

The changing times

Dear Editor,

With the revolution in modern scientific technology the world has become a global
village. We can communicate and update ourselves sitting anywhere through TV, computer,
mobile. These developments have merits as well as demerits. I will share some of
its disadvantages. Nowadays youths specially teenagers are very much addicted to
idiot box watching Korean movies, long phone calls, chatting on computer whole night
which has brought sea change in their food habit, dressing style and way of behaving.
They are totally imitating all those celebrities living in foreign countries as if
they too are foreigner. Are we not an Arunachalee? I wonder what will be the future
of Arunachal if this trend continue? I think the day is not far when we will loss
our own tradition and culture. Ponder on it.

Yours,

Benjamin Tabing,

Itanagar (on email)

Increase the stipend

Dear Editor,

I would like to appeal the authority of higher education to increase the amount of
stipend for the technical students who joined various colleges through APJEE.

We might also have joined private colleges which are far more better than the colleges
which provides quota those who clear APJEE but we could not because our parents are
economically weak. Since our state does not have enough technical colleges for aspiring
students we have to continue our studies in other states with extra expenditure.
For us the APJEE was the last gate to enter any technical college.

When I cleared the entrance exam I was happy not because I have cleared the exam
but I thought I was going to get the engineering degree at least expenditure as compared
to my fellow friends who have joined private colleges by paying lakhs of rupees.
But coming to the college the expenditure are almost same with those of private institute.

When we read the news of release of stipend we thought at least the cost of books
and stationary or the amount we have paid for hostel mess (one semester)would be
the amount we are going to get but it was not that. The amount was too less for the
technical students. I appeal all the student unions to come together at this point
and help the poor students.

Yours

A student

Karnataka (on email)

They will always inspire us

Dear Editor,

A really great day for Arunachal and especially for the women of state. Congrats
to Tine Mena, Mitali, Tadu Mamung and Bullo Mamung! They really deserve their respective
success. Women are as strong as men in all fields. They'll always be inspirational
figures for all of us. Right now all of you, do bask in the glory! Wish you all the
best of times and more success in times to come.

Yours,

Sanjay Taram,

Pangin (on email)

Tagore and international understanding

Dear Editor,

The UPA govt under the pressure of a coalition partner from Bengal in the form of
Trinamool Congress has stumbled upon the idea of instituting a 1 crore prize for
'international understanding' in the name of Nobel Prize winning poet Rabindranath
Tagore. But the question is how come Tagore comes in the sphere of 'international
understanding' when the same poet writes something like "aamaar shonar bangla" (my
golden bangla/bengal)?

Stop being carried away by hype and hoopla. Start thinking rationally, in a non-biased,
cool way. Enough has been done to celebrate the late poet.

Yours,

Sumon Das,

Bhubaneshwar

(on email)

One of the greatest human beings who walked on earth

Dear Editor,

Kudos to Mr. Sumon Das for his brilliant letter titled "Tagore was lucky in his life
as well as in death" (May 12)!

So Bengalis have captured most parts of North-East India and Andamans! The nationalist
mindset of Mr. Das has simply no parallels! Why don't Mr. Das ask the Parliament
to amend the Constitution which guarantees equal right to all Indians to settle and
earn their living in any province of India?

And I am eagerly waiting to see whether Mr. Das exemplifies guts enough to allege
that Biharis, Gujaratis, Marwaris and Punjabis have captured the whole country!

According to Mr. Das, Bengalis are known to glorify talented poets which many communities
do not do! Mr. Das may try to humiliate the likes of Sumitra Nandan Pant, Uma Shankar
Joshi, Gopinath Mohanty, B.K.Bhattacharya, Shiv Ram Karanth, Amrita Pritam and T.S.Pillai
and see the reactions of the respective states from where the great literary figures
hail from.

Each and every successful figure in international circuit have lots of friends and
admirers. If this phenomenon gets dubbed as having a "good network", then so be it.
Let's see whether by preparing a "good network", Mr. Das comes up with a Nobel, Bharat
Ratna or Padmabhusan! And can Mr. Das offer a single Nobel Laurette whose name was
not forwarded for the coveted prize?

It is really a pleasure to be enlightened at last that Tagore sacrificed Knighthood
not due to his anger or sorrow following the Jalianwala Bagh massacre, but only to
please the public which was turning anti-British! In a society where the great humanitarian
work of that saint named Mother Teresa gets dubbed as a "project to convert Hindus
to Christians", it is natural that Tagore's renunciation of Knighthood will also
be seen in a demeaning light.

The 150th birth anniversary of Tagore is being nationally celebrated by the "Pranab
Mukherjee-Mamata Banerjee-dominated" Centre to appease the sentimental Bengali voters!
Are the voters and administration of the countries world-wide and that of the United
Nations also dominated by the Bengalis that they are celebrating the birth anniversary
of the bard with such fan-fare?

Mr. Das has accused Arunachal Times for fomenting "Tagore propaganda" and fed up
with numerous banners, advertisements, functions, lectures and articles revolving
Tagore! Atleast "promotion" of Tagore is being done for one year only ie on his 150th
birth anniversary! Can Mr. Das dare to protest against the "Hindi propaganda" sponsored
by the Centre through seminars, posters and functions decade after decade, that too
at the tax-payers' money?

How can the language of a particular section of population be dubbed as the "Rajbhasa"
of a multi-lingual democratic country, gets promoted at the expense of all other
languages and imposed upon the non-Hindi speakers who form more than 60% of the Indian
population?

Mr. Das has taken up the cudgel for the other poets who do not get as much "publicity"
as Tagore! Why don't Mr. Das ask the media to desist from "Sachin-worship" when number
of great Indian cricketers have also excelled and contributed immensely for national
cause? Of course every eligible poet should get the recognition he/she deserves,
but that does not mean that Tagore should be rendered a cold-shoulder. Tagore was
not only a poet par excellence; he was also a novelist, dramatist, painter, educationist,
social reformer and one of the greatest philosophers and humanist the history of
the world has seen. Moreover his writings were an inspiration for countless revolutionaries
who laid down their lives for Indian independence (Yet Tagore is a British stooge!).
Mr. Das may try his utmost to belittle Tagore; but the world knows his worth, greatness
and relevance and thus accord due honour and respect.

Lastly, by unnecessarily referring to Tagore as a zamindar, Mr. Das has cleverly
tried to indicate that monetary strength has played the greatest role behind his
success! Had Mr. Das possessed minimum knowledge about Tagore; he would have known
that the bard was not a zamindar, but a part of a large zamindar family. He used
to oversee his family's zamindari in few districts of erstwhile East Bengal(now in
Bangladesh) and in return used to get a salary just like the manager or employee
of an organisation. Had he been a rich zamindar presiding over a mountain of wealth,
he would not have to sell and mortagage all his wife's jewellery to set up the modest
Ashram in Shantiniketan. Do Mr. Das know that in his noble mission of setting up
the Ashram, Tagore became bankrupt enough to see the day when a Marwari money-lender
was almost sending him to jail? At the very last moment, Tagore's well-wishers collected
the required money and saved Tagore from savouring the jail-food! The person who
dedicated all his money to educate the society and turned bankrupt is a rich zamindar
and selfish person indeed! And let Mr. Das know that Tagore donated the entire prize-money
to Visva-Bharati and also earmarked all his earnings, copyrights and properties to
the Ashram, not to his son!

Actually when any individual harbours undiluted hatred and jealousy towards any great
personality or any particular community, all norms of logic and homework simply elude
his mindset. It is indeed pity that when people across the world are increasingly
feeling attracted towards Tagore's works and thinking and are flocking to Kolkata
and Shantiniketan to learn Bengali and discover more of him, the likes of Mr. Das
prefers to remain confined in a cocoon and throw racial taunts and barbs towards
one of the greatest human being who have walked on earth!

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

Kolkata (on email)

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